Court System Practices

Catalog description

This course examines the role of the judiciary in the criminal justice system. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to discuss: the structure of the state court system; the prosecution of offenders; the basic right to counsel; the concept of pretrial release; the purpose and function of the grand jury; the procedural processes of adjudication; types and purposes of sentencing; the rules of evidence; rules concerning trial procedure; and the disposition of criminal cases. By focusing on court systems and the rules of procedure, the student will better understand why particular cases are filed in certain courts, and why certain procedures are required, while others are prohibited. Studying procedural law enables students to have a more complete understanding of the criminal process, from arrest through appeal. This course is designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities offering degrees in criminal justice or related disciplines.